As the obesity rate continues to rise in the United States, parents can help prevent the condition by ensuring their children eat nutritiously and exercise more.

Obesity is associated with many health problems, including diabetes, emotional distress, and liver, kidney and heart disease. The American Diabetes Association reports that as many as 45 percent of newly diagnosed cases of childhood diabetes are type 2, also known as adult-onset diabetes, and are associated with obesity.

“Children need to be doing something other than watching TV,” says Dr. Sarah Blumenschein, a cardiologist on the medical staff at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas.

The good news is that obesity is preventable, and even moderate physical activity can reduce a child’s likelihood of becoming obese.

Dr. Tom Abramo, an emergency medicine physician on the medical staff at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, stayed physically active as a youngster by playing sports. He began playing hockey at the age of 9 and soccer at 10. He played both sports in college and reached the minor leagues as a hockey player before becoming a doctor.

But a child doesn’t have to be on the trek to the pro ranks to stay physically fit, Dr. Abramo says.

“Parents don’t have to force their kids to compete in sports. A child can benefit just as much by throwing a Frisbee, playing catch or riding a bike,” he says.

In fact, Dr. Abramo cautions parents about allowing their children to “overdo it.” Children shouldn’t lift weights until at least age 12, he says. And an expert, such as a coach or trainer, should supervise the child’s weightlifting so that the child can learn proper form and the goals and benefits of such physical conditioning. A weight routine for a swimmer will be different than for a football player, he says.

Encourage nonsedentary activities. These could include group activities, such as team sports, or family activities, such as bicycling, hiking, walking, skating or swimming.
Take time to help your children choose an activity they enjoy because if it is not something they like, they will never stick with it – regardless of how much you like it and think they should do it.
Dr. Blumenschein reminds parents to urge safety while encouraging physical fitness with their children. Parents should look for safe places for their children to play, such as a neighborhood park, or enroll them in a supervised exercise program.
For parents who serve as coaches of their child’s sports team, Dr. Abramo says, the coach’s positive attitude when dealing with children can go a long way in helping a child continue physical fitness for a lifetime. “The most important thing coaches can do is make sure the kids are having a good time.”